JP2001218547A - Conveyor belt apparatus and oven - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conveyor belt apparatus having easily regulatable supporting structure of a top belt. SOLUTION: This conveyor belt apparatus having supporters 14 and 15 communally regulated by mutually mechanically connecting the whole supporters 14 and 15 by a connecting member 23 is provided in the conveyor belt apparatus having a conveying belt 3 housed in a base frame 4, and a top belt 5 housed in an assistant frame 6 and arranged at the upper part of the conveying belt 3, capable of conveying a product between the top belt 5 and the conveying belt 3 through a liquid vessel, and further having the regulatable supporting structures 14 and 15 for regulating the distance of the conveying belt 3 and the top belt 5, having the regulatable supporters 14 and 15 so that the assistant frame 6 may be supported on the base frame 4 by the supporters 14 and 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a conveyor belt apparatus for conveying products through a liquid tank such as heated cooking oil in an oven or hot water in a boiler, and is contained in a base frame. And a top belt extending above the feed belt and housed in an auxiliary frame, whereby the product is transported between the feed belt and the top belt through the liquid tank, and further fed. A conveyor belt having an adjustable support mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the belt and the top belt, the support mechanism further comprising an adjustable support, by which the auxiliary frame is supported on the base frame. It concerns the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Prior Art Conveyor belt devices of this type are known. This conveyor belt device is used, for example, in an oven. Products, for example meat products such as hamburgers, chicken fillets, calf cutlets, potatoes, etc., are placed on a feed belt and move through the heated oil. The product is kept in the oil for a certain period of time according to the speed of the feed belt, and cooked or browned to a target degree.
Some products float on oil and do not remain on the feed belt. As a result, the residence time in the oil cannot be controlled with desired accuracy. However, such products can also be fed through the oil in the desired controlled manner by using a top belt. For this purpose, the top belt holds the product on the feed belt.

[0003] Since the thickness of different products is different,
The distance between the top belt and the feed belt must be adjustable. The support mechanism must be adjusted for this purpose, but this adjustment is actually a time consuming and risky task. First, the support mechanisms must be adjusted individually. Usually, four to six such support mechanisms are provided, and the adjustment takes a long time. In addition, the adjustment mechanism is located in close proximity to the oil reservoir containing hot oil. For this reason, the cover must first be lifted for adjustment. Furthermore, the adjustment must be performed in the hot air of the oil released, which is both unpleasant and dangerous.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyor belt device which does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages and which can be operated more easily.

[0005]

This object is achieved by mechanically connecting a plurality of supports to one another with connecting members, such as central control elements, and adjusting them together. By mechanically connecting a plurality of supports,
It is possible to operate them simultaneously from two common control points. As a result, quick adjustment of the top belt is possible.

[0006] The adjustable support can be configured in various ways, for example using screw adjustment. However, a preferred arrangement is that each support has a tilting mechanism, which is connected to each other by a tension element to provide relative movement within each tilting mechanism. This relative movement is associated with an adjustment movement in a direction transverse to the base frame and the auxiliary frame. The tilt mechanism may or may not be self-locking. The desired adjustment is always possible by means of the tension element. The tension element used in the case of a self-locking mechanism is used to create tension in two opposite directions. Each tilting mechanism includes a mutually movable tilting support and a block, one of which is fixed relative to one of the frames for performing an adjusting movement,
The other is movably attached to the frame.

[0007] Preferably, at least two tilting mechanisms are provided on each longitudinal side of the frame, such that the tilting mechanism of one longitudinal side is opposite the tilting of the tilting mechanism of the other longitudinal side. It is composed of The tilting mechanisms are connected to each other by a directional tensioning element near at least one lateral side of the frame. A winder is located near the other lateral side of the frame. The tensioning element is a flexible cable or the like, the ends of which are respectively wound around the winder in opposite directions. According to a simple and stable embodiment, each inclined support is fixed to a base frame and each block is movably mounted to an auxiliary frame.

[0008] With regard to the introduction of the product into the liquid bath, it is desirable to position the feed belt and the first part of the auxiliary belt at a constant inclination. For this purpose, each of the base frame and the auxiliary frame comprises a main frame component and an introduction frame component hinged thereto. The hinge pins are parallel to each other at some distance, and the introduction frame components are supported by at least two tilting mechanisms. Tilt mechanisms are located on both longitudinal sides of the introducer frame component.
The tilting mechanism is rigidly coupled to one of the introducer frame components and is movable with respect to the other introducer frame component.

In this embodiment it is also provided that each tilting mechanism support of the introduction frame component is in each case one of the components so that the introduction frame component of the auxiliary frame can be supported correctly and adjustably. Is fixed via a support base. The support is laterally movable with respect to the introduction frame component and is supported by the other introduction frame component. The associated block is movably mounted on one of the introduction frame components, and the support is also mounted on the component. Preferably, the winder is
The block is disposed on a main frame component to which it is movably mounted, and the support is mounted on an introductory frame component associated with the main frame component. The introduction frame component has a deflecting pulley that redirects the cable.

[0010] The present invention also relates to an oven including the above-described conveyor belt device, a tank holding a fixed amount of cooking oil, and a cover covering the tank. A conveyor belt device is located in the tank. According to the present invention, the driving device for the connecting member can be arranged outside the tank or the cover. This eliminates the need for lifting the cover for adjusting the auxiliary belt. Therefore, this adjustment can be performed safely and quickly. The oven is conventionally provided with a lifting device for lifting the cover and the conveyor belt device from the tank. If the adjusting force becomes excessive when adjusting the support, this lifting device can be relied upon.

Therefore, the present invention also relates to a method of operating the oven for adjusting the distance between the feed belt and the top belt, the method comprising: increasing the distance between the feed belt and the top belt by a lifting device; A method of operating an oven, comprising adjusting a support to obtain a new support position associated with a new target spacing, and transferring support of a top belt on a feed belt to the support. It is.

[0012]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to an illustrated embodiment. In FIG. 1, the conveyor belt device 1 is shown by a solid line. The conveyor belt device 1 includes an oven 2, an outer shape of a tank 34, and a cover 3.
5 and the lifting device 33, which are indicated by dashed lines. Conveyor belt device 1
Has a feed belt 3 housed in a base frame 4. The conveyor belt device 1 further includes an auxiliary frame 6
Has a top belt 5 housed therein. The base frame 4 has a main frame 7 and an introduction frame 8 that can be adjusted to various inclination angles around a hinge 9. The auxiliary frame 6 also consists of a main frame 10 and an auxiliary frame 11 that can be pivotally adjusted to various angles of inclination about a hinge 12.

In the embodiment shown, the top belt 5 extends continuously from the main frame 10 to the auxiliary frame 11. However, the feed belt 3 has two separate parts,
That is, the main feed belt 13 accommodated in the main frame 7
And an introduction feed belt 14 housed in the introduction frame 8. By using adjustable tilting mechanisms 14, 15, the auxiliary frame 6 can be adjusted to different heights above the base frame 4 (ie the top belt 5 above the feed belt 3). As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, each tilting mechanism 14 includes a tilting support 16 fixed to the base frame 4, more specifically to its upper flange 17. In addition, each tilt mechanism 14 includes a block 18 that is movable on a tilt support 16. For this purpose, the block 18 and the inclined support 16 have corresponding inclined surfaces 19, 20.

As shown in FIG.
The T-shaped member 22 fixed to the auxiliary frame 6 protrudes into this space. A cable 23 is fixed to the block 18, and both ends of the cable 23 are
Each is wound around the winder 24 in the opposite direction via the deflection pulley 25. The winder 24 is connected to a handle 27 via a chain transmission member 26. The tilting mechanism 15 disposed between the introduction frame components 8 and 11 includes:
The tilting mechanism between the main frame components 7, 10 is somewhat different. In the case of the tilt mechanism 15, as shown in FIG. 7, both the tilt support 16 and the block 18 are attached to the auxiliary frame 6,
More specifically, it is fixed to the introduction frame component 11. The inclined support 16 is supported by a guide 3 via a rod 29.
It is provided on a support 28 which is slidably mounted in the housing. The support 28 has a support plate 32 fixed to a rod 29, on which the inclined support 16 is welded, which support plate is mounted on a flange 31 of the introduction frame component 8 of the base frame 4. It is placed on.

When setting the angle of the component 8 around the hinge pins 9 and 12 of the component 8, the support plate 32 can move to some extent along the flange 31 of the component 8 of the component. This allows the desired setting of the introduction frame components 8, 11 with respect to each other, while permitting a hinge movement about the separate hinge pins 9, 12. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the high and low positions of the main frame components 7 and 10 of the base frame 4 and the auxiliary frame 6, respectively. 12 and 13 show the high and low positions of the introduction frame components 8, 11, respectively. FIG. 2 shows the cable 2 from the winder 24 via the deflection pulley 25, the tilting mechanisms 14, 15 and the deflection pulley 32.
3 is shown.

As already mentioned, the oven 2 according to the invention has a lifting device 33, which, as usual, firstly covers the cover, then the top belt 5 via the removal mechanism 37 and then the lifting device. The feed belt 3 is continuously lifted via the removing mechanism 36. These removal mechanisms 36, 37
Is mounted on the cover 35 in a known manner, and the cover 35 can be moved up and down in the legs 40 of the lifting device 33 by means of a flange 38 and a known cable drive 39. According to the present invention, the lifting device 3
3 can also be used when adjusting the top belt 5 with respect to the feed belt 3. In particular, in the tilt mechanisms 14, 15,
In particular, when the frictional force between the inclined support 16 and the block 18 becomes excessive, the following measures can be taken.

First, the lifting device 33 is operated to raise the top belt 5 with respect to the feed belt 3. During this operation, the block 18 separates from the tilt support 16. The block 18 is then moved to a target position with respect to the tilt support 16. Note that the target position is a position corresponding to the distance between the feed belt 3 and the top belt 5 which should be finally achieved. This position is such that the block 18 is positioned so that the top belt 5 is immediately in the correct position with respect to the feed belt 3 after the power to the lifting device 33 is turned off.
6 is selected to be in good contact. As an alternative, the block 18 can be moved relative to the tilt support 16 so that the tilt support 16 and the block 18 do not contact each other. The feed belt 5 is a lifting device 33
The block 18 is moved downward by the
6 and a target distance between the feed belt 3 and the top belt 5 is realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a conveyor belt device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the conveyor belt device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific stage when adjusting the tilting mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific stage when adjusting the tilting mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific stage when adjusting the tilting mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another tilting mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the operation mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the operation mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing one positional relationship between main frame components.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing another positional relationship between main frame components.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view showing one positional relationship between introduction frame components.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view showing another positional relationship between the introduction frame components.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a lifting device.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a lifting device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Conveyor belt apparatus 2 Oven 3 Feed belt 4 Base frame 5 Top belt 6 Base frame auxiliary frame 7 Base frame main frame 8 Introductory frame 9,12 Hinge 10 Main frame of auxiliary frame 6 11 Main frame of auxiliary frame 6 Main Feed belts 14, 15 Incline mechanism 16 Incline support 17 Top flange of base frame 18 Block 19, 20 Inclined surface 21 Void 22 T-shaped member 23 Cable 24 Winder 25 Deflection pulley 26 Chain transmission member 27 Handle 28 Support base 29 rod 30 guide 32 support plate 33 lifting device 35 cover 36, 37 removal mechanism 40 leg

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A conveyor belt device for conveying products through a liquid tank such as a heated cooking oil in an oven (2), comprising a feed belt (3) housed in a base frame (4). )
And a top belt (5) housed in an auxiliary frame (6) and arranged above said feed belt (3), whereby products are transferred between the top belt (5) and the feed belt (3). And an adjustable support mechanism (14, 15) for adjusting the distance between the feed belt (3) and the top belt (5). (14, 15) further comprises an adjustable support (14, 15) for supporting said auxiliary frame (6) on the base frame (4) by said support (14, 15). Conveyor belt device, characterized in that all supports (14, 15) are mechanically interconnected by connecting members (23) and are adjusted together. 2. Conveyor belt device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member (23) is connected to only one central control element (24). 3. Each support includes a tilting mechanism (14, 15) coupled to each other by a tensioning element (25) to provide relative movement within each tilting mechanism. The relative movement is based on the base frame (4)
Conveyor belt device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is associated with an adjustment movement in a direction transverse to the auxiliary frame (6). 4. Each tilt mechanism (14, 15) has a mutually movable tilt support (16) and a block (18), one of which is fixed to one of the frames (4, 6). The conveyor belt device according to claim 3, characterized in that the other is movably coupled to the frame (4, 6) to provide an adjusting movement. 5. At least two tilting mechanisms (14, 1).
5) is provided on each of the longitudinal sides of the frame (4, 6), and the tilt mechanism (14, 1) of one of the longitudinal sides is provided.
The inclination of 5) is opposite to the inclination of the other longitudinal tilting mechanism (14, 15), which tilts in the direction near at least one lateral side of the frame (4, 6). Conveyor belt device according to claim 4, characterized in that the conveyor belt devices are connected to one another by a tensioning element (23) with altered lengths. 6. A winder (24) is arranged near the other lateral side of the frame, wherein the tension element is a flexible cable (23) or the like, and both ends of the cable (23). Conveyor belt device according to claim 5, characterized in that each is wound on a winder (24) in opposite directions. 7. Each of the inclined supports (16) is fixed to a base frame (4), and each block (18) is movably mounted on an auxiliary frame (6). Item 7. The conveyor belt device according to any one of items 6 to 6. 8. Each of the base frame (4) and the auxiliary frame (6) comprises a main frame component (7, 1).
0) and an introduction frame component (8, 11) hinged to the component, wherein the hinge pins of the component are parallel to each other at a predetermined distance from each other, and the introduction frame component (8, 11) 11) are mutually supported on at least two longitudinal sides by at least two tilting mechanisms (15), which are rigidly connected to one of the introduction frame components (8, 11). Conveyor belt device according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the conveyor belt device is movable with respect to the other introduction frame component (8, 11). 9. Each of the inclined supports (16) of the introduction frame component (11) is fixed to one of the components via a support (28), the support being adapted for the introduction of the introduction frame. Moving laterally with respect to the frame component (11) and supported by the other introduction frame component (8), the associated block (18) comprises a support (2).
8) also have the introductory frame components (1
9. The conveyor belt device according to claim 8, wherein the conveyor belt device is movably attached to 1). 10. The winder (24) is mounted on one of the main frame components (10), the block (18) is movably mounted on the main frame component (10), and (28) is attached to an introductory frame component (11) associated with the main frame component (10), the introductory frame component (11) deflecting pulley (32) for diverting the cable (23). The conveyor belt device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising: 11. A conveyor belt device (1) according to claim 1, a tank (34) holding a predetermined amount of cooking oil, and a cover (35) covering the tank. In an oven (2) having
An oven characterized in that a conveyor belt device (1) is arranged in said tank (34). 12. The oven according to claim 11, wherein the drive (39) for the connecting member (23) is arranged outside a tank or a cover. 13. The lifting device (33) comprises a tank (3).
An oven according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that it is provided for lifting the cover (35) and the conveyor belt device (1) relative to 4). 14. The oven (2) according to claim 13,
In order to adjust the distance between the feed belt (3) and the top belt (5), the feed belt (3)
Increasing the distance between the feed belt (5) and the top belt (5) by a lifting device (33) and obtaining a new support position associated with the new desired distance between the feed belt (3) and the top belt (5); An oven (2) comprising adjusting the support (14, 15) and transferring support of the top belt (5) on a feed belt (3) to the support (14, 15). Method of operation.